Natural Resources
Community Greening Program: This program seeks to address the outsize risks posed by climate change to vulnerable populations by targeting green infrastructure investments in our most at-risk neighborhoods. The program’s goal is to use nature-based solutions to create climate resilient neighborhoods and actively engage residents in the process. Phase 1 was completed in 2021-2022 and Phase 2 kicks off Fall 2024. Visit the project webpage to learn more.
Miyawaki Forest project: In partnership with Forests for Watertown, the Miyawaki Forest project proposes to plant a microforest to help mitigate urban heat island effect and increase plant biodiversity. The microforest, as well as nearby community garden beds, will be located at the southeast corner of the Lowell Elementary School grounds. Go to the project webpage to learn more.
MMP and pollinator efforts: In 2023, the City Manager signed the Mayors’ Monarch Pledge (MMP) as a City-wide effort to protect and increase habitat for pollinators. Through partnerships with the WCG and Friends of Bees, we have several ongoing efforts to make pollinators visible for all residents in the City. The MMP was signed again for 2024, see link to learn more about the ongoing work!
Street trees: Watertown’s Forestry Division plants more than 350 street trees each year! Care and maintenance like pruning and watering is then undertaken to ensure a long, healthy life for each tree. The City also updated its tree inventory in 2022.
Stormwater management: Stormwater is a major flooding and water quality issue in Watertown due to abundant impervious surfaces and increased intensity of rainfall events. Check out the City’s stormwater ordinance and DPW's efforts in reducing and filtrating stormwater runoff within the City before discharging into the Charles River.
Green streets/tree trench work: Visit DPW to learn more about Green Infrastructure! The City’s efforts include the Green Street program and Tree Trench projects happening citywide. Check out the current Green Stormwater Infrastructure story map!
Adding green space through private development: Current private development projects in the City, such as at 99 Coolidge, 66 Galen/Water Street, and the Watertown Mall have incorporated green spaces/open spaces to reduce impervious surfaces through reducing stormwater runoff, increase plant biodiversity, and reduce urban heat island effects.
ACR Garden Intern Program: The garden internship program was funded as part of the Edible Watertown project of Watertown's Municipal Arts Planning through an Accelerating Climate Resiliency grant from MAPC. In the summers of 2023 and 2024, middle and high school aged students worked in Watertown's elementary school gardens to grow and maintain fruits, vegetables, and other plants, while also going on educational outings to other garden sites and attending sessions with local experts on garden ecology and local environmental issues.